Oklahoma City’s Backcourt Leads Top Performers in Loss to Memphis

Oklahoma City ran out of gas down the stretch against Memphis in the second game of Salt Lake City’s Summer League session, falling 94-86 to an experienced Grizzlies squad.

Memphis bombarded the Thunder with a lethal 3-point attack, drilling 17 triples in 38 tries. The Thunder made an admirable come back after trailing by 16 points in the first half, but couldn’t overcome the firepower of Jake LaRavia and Vince Williams Jr, who combined for 43 points on the night.

Here’s who led the Thunder in Salt Lake City’s second night of action:

Tre Mann

Mann continues to be the story of Summer League for Oklahoma City. After his 20-point outing in the Salt Lake City opener, the guard poured in 28 points on 10-of-14 shooting for his follow up.

He drilled two triples and ran the offense for a good portion of the night, weaving in and out of the defense and finishing strong at the rim. Mann converted on multiple and-ones throughout the contest and wasn’t bothered by physical defense.

He added four rebounds, two assists and a steal to his final tally, playing a complete game and helping the Thunder on both ends of the floor. He has looked noticeably better on defense, being more active on-ball and displaying better anticipation skills fighting around screens to stay on his man.

So far, this summer is exactly what Mann needed. He has looked like one of the best player on the floor in both of Oklahoma City’s games.

Chet Holmgren

Holmgren struggled offensively, missing all four of his 3-point attempts and turning the ball over six times. He still managed to have a massive impact on the overall game though.

The big man recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds while adding three blocks to his total. He shot 3-of-8 from the floor and didn’t force any shots offensively. In a game the Thunder lost by eight points, Holmgren was a plus-five in the box score and was extremely active on the defensive side of the ball. He fought for offensive rebounds and was effective on the glass all night long.

After not playing basketball for a full year, it’s not surprising that his handle is a bit loose to start the Summer League. What’s more important, though, is the instant impact he’s having on defense. Holmgren won’t be asked to create his own shot nearly as much with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey on the floor, and will receive free buckets around the rim when Oklahoma City’s guards find him on pick-and-roll looks. He needs a few games to shake off the rust and get his legs back under him before his two-way impact is back to where it was. Overall, it was still a solid game for the former No. 2 pick.

Ousmane Dieng

The former lottery pick enjoyed a nice bounce back performance after a slow start Wednesday night. Dieng finished the game with 13 points, six rebounds, two assists and two blocks in 32 minutes of action. The forward shot 5-of-9 from the floor and netted a triple.

He looked much more comfortable on the floor in the second half and displayed why Oklahoma City valued him so high in the draft a season ago. Dieng was able to find his groove in transition and excel as a slasher with much of the attention on Mann and Holmgren.

Jared Butler

Butler put together his best performance with the Thunder, totaling 16 points, six assists and four rebounds in 28 minutes. He was able to create his own shot when the clock was running low and distribute the ball in an efficient manner.

He drilled 3-of-7 from long range and was a perfect 3-of-3 from the free throw line. Butler and Mann ran the show offensively and helped the Thunder put points on the board.

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